CVE-2018-7484 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2018-7484, a vulnerability in PureVPN up to version 5.19.4.0 for Windows, allowing privilege escalation through DLL hijacking. Find out how to mitigate this security risk.
A vulnerability was identified in PureVPN up to version 5.19.4.0 for Windows, allowing privilege escalation through DLL hijacking.
Understanding CVE-2018-7484
What is CVE-2018-7484?
An issue in PureVPN up to version 5.19.4.0 for Windows grants excessive permissions and uses insecure loading of dynamic-link libraries, potentially leading to privilege escalation.
The Impact of CVE-2018-7484
The vulnerability could allow malicious actors to escalate privileges on affected systems, compromising their security.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-7484
Vulnerability Description
During installation, PureVPN assigns Full Control permission to the Everyone group for the installation directory, and the PureVPNService.exe service loads dynamic-link libraries using insecure relative paths.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: PureVPN
- Versions affected: Up to 5.19.4.0
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability arises from the insecure permission assignment and library loading, enabling attackers to exploit DLL hijacking for privilege escalation.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update PureVPN to the latest version to patch the vulnerability.
- Restrict access to the installation directory to prevent unauthorized modifications.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly.
- Implement the principle of least privilege to limit access rights.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that all software, including PureVPN, is regularly updated to mitigate known vulnerabilities.